The Chinaphiles: Interview with Peter Anthony, Author and Collector of Chinese Coins

Today marks a new series for Chinaful: The Chinaphiles. In this series, I'll interview Chinaphiles (also known as Sinophiles, those who demonstrate a strong interest and love for Chinese culture or its people) that study and work in various fields, all with a focus on China. 

For this first interview, Chinaful features Chinese coin collector and author, Peter Anthony. Anthony is an expert on Modern Chinese coins, covering 1979 to the present. Author of Gold and Silver Panda Coin Buyer’s Guide and the monthly China Pricepedia price guide, Anthony’s research is the gold standard on all aspects of collecting, from accurate pricing to spotting counterfeits.

Peter Anthony, autor and Chinese coin collector

You can also access a wealth of information on Anthony’s website, www.pandacollector.com, which gives an introduction and news about Chinese coins. Having the opportunity to speak with Anthony, I wanted to learn what drew him to Chinese coins initially and lessons he’s learned while collecting and researching in China. 

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Reader Questions: "Searching for Silk" in Shanghai

 First, I'd like to say I LOVE your blog! It's been great to read and share with others that are headed over to China - thanks for all that you share.

I am actually headed to Shanghai from Mississippi and really wanted to go to some good quality fabric stores. We are staying at the Portman Ritz Carlton.

Any suggestions of fabric stores in the area or in Shanghai in general? Any help is appreciated.

Thanks so much,
"Searching for Silk"

Dear Searching,

Happy to hear you enjoy the blog, and thanks for sharing it with others!

First of all, you will love the Portman - it is beautiful. There is an amazing acrobat show right at the hotel, so be sure not to miss it.

Shanghai Fabric Market is best (399 Lujiabang Rd). (If you're not familiar with Shanghai, have the Ritz write the information on a card for you to show the cab driver -- and get a card for the hotel to show the driver when you want to return!) Check out this post (though a little old) from "Life on Nanchang Lu" that gives a review of several stalls - while some may have changed by now, it's definitely worth checking out. When you visit, don't forget to bargain. Pretend to walk away if necessary. Shanghai shops aren't as flexible as Beijing or other parts of China, but you should still push to get at least 20-30% off. 

While you're there, be sure to check out these highlights of Shanghai as well: Yu Yuan gardens, Fuxing Park on the weekends to see daily Chinese life (check out my post on it here), and Shanghai soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung.

And if you have time, take the train to Hangzhou for the day - it is said to be the most beautiful place in all of China.

Enjoy!

{Yu Yuan Gardens, Shanghai}

Have a question you'd like answered about China? Leave a comment, email chinafulblog@gmail.com, or drop a note through the Contact page.  I'd love to hear from you!

Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to the winner of Chinaful's first giveaway!

Janet Vasquez

You will receive a copy of "Hong Kong Markets: Step-by-Step Guide to Getting to the Markets and Back" from Hong Kong's Goods of Desire.

(A superior bargaining tool!  Sure to help you in your quest for the perfect robe.)

Thank you for being a devoted Chinaful reader!

And for everyone, a few bargaining tips of my own:

• Look around the markets before you engage in a bargaining session.  Once you start, the bargain can take a while, and you want to be sure it's worth your while.  Plus, you can get an understanding of what things are selling for, and whether a few stalls over has superior merchandise.  
• Be friendly - you may be bargaining hard, but try to do it with a light heart.  Getting a deal at a market is meant to be fun, after all.  And a smile can be better than the best argument.  
• Try to use at least a little of the local language.  A simple "Ni Hao" (Hello) or "Tai Gui Le!" (Too Expensive!) is perceived as making an effort to participate in the culture, and can give you an edge. 
• After a bit, walk away - a salesman will always drop their price when they think they are about to lose a customer.